Meta eyes Prada for next AI smart glasses, Ray-Ban Gen 3 nearing ...
Meta is reportedly collaborating with luxury fashion brand Prada to develop its upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, stepping away from its exclusive partnership with Ray-Ban. While the formal announcement of the Prada partnership is yet to be revealed, if the rumors are accurate, it will signify Meta's venture into high-end fashion technology with its Meta smart glasses collection. This collaboration will further expand upon Prada's existing eyewear licensing agreement with EssilorLuxottica.
Partnership Details
The collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica began in 2019, resulting in the launch of the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in 2021. Recently, Meta confirmed its collaboration with Oakley, a brand also owned by EssilorLuxottica, with plans to unveil the product on June 20. Additionally, Prada extended its licensing agreement with EssilorLuxottica in December 2024, paving the way for the reported collaboration with Meta.
Product Development
According to reports from CNBC, the development of the Prada smart glasses is still ongoing. A former Meta employee mentioned that Prada's eyewear designs, particularly those featuring thicker temples, are well-suited for integrating Meta's AI technology. Meta also recently announced a partnership with Oakley, teasing the launch of Oakley Meta smart glasses designed for athletes and active users.
Features and Pricing
Compared to the Ray-Ban smart glasses' starting price of $299 in the US, the Oakley Meta smart glasses are expected to be priced around $360. These rugged and weather-resistant glasses are anticipated to offer similar features to the Ray-Ban model, including voice-controlled functionalities, text messaging, livestreaming, photo and video capture, music playback, and seamless integration with Meta AI through voice commands.
The Oakley smart glasses may also include a centrally located camera, specifically beneficial for athletes like cyclists to capture a wider field of view. This release marks Meta's third-generation smart glasses, following the success of the second-generation Ray-Bans launched the previous year.
Current Features and Future Expectations
The current Meta smart glasses offer hands-free AI support, photo and video capabilities, language translation, and audio playback, all integrated into popular frame designs like the Wayfarer and the newer Skyler. Lenses can be customized with options such as clear, sun, polarized, or Transitions, catering to various prescription needs. Similar features and customization options are anticipated in Meta's upcoming Oakley and Prada collaborations.
In May of this year, Meta introduced the Ray-Ban smart glasses in India, starting at Rs 29,900. There is no official update on the potential launch of Oakley Meta glasses in the Indian market yet.
